Inside Out Music seems to have the "inside key" to Kansas related projects right now, with the recent releases of the new Proto-Kaw CD and now the sophomore recording from Seventh Key featuring Kansas bassist Billy Greer. Joining Billy once again is former Street guitarist Mike Slamer, who also produces the album. The band once again has created some fine melodic rock tunes, very much in the style of Streets or 80's Kansas, with lots of instrumental muscle and soaring hooks.
You can't go wrong with songs like "The Sun Will Rise", "Always From the Heart", or the raging "Sin City." Quite simply, this is quality hard rockin' AOR that would have sold mad copies in the 80's. "It Should Have Been You" sees the band delivering a powerful ballad, while "Run" is pure melodic muscle with searing guitar licks from Slamer. Billy Greer has a great voice (which I'm sure most Kansas fans know by now) and he proves it on each and every track here, and coupled with the fine guitar playing from Slamer makes the 11 songs very enjoyable. While this may not be heavy enough for the metal crowd or complex enough for the prog crowd, it you like well played hard rock with tons of catchy hooks, then I suggest giving this a try.
Track Listing
1) The Sun Will Rise (4:37)
2) Always From the Heart (5:11)
3) You Cross the Line (6:47)
4) An Ocean Away (4:29)
5) The Raging Fire (5:59)
6) Sin City (5:08)
7) It Should Have Been You (5:25)
8) Run (4:17)
9) Pyramid Princess (5:18)
10) Winos of War (6:05)
Bonus Track
11) Remember You Well-featuring Kerry Livgren (4:57)
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